Food security in rural Sikkim
Student name: Ms Mekhala Sastry
Guide: Dr Chubamenla Jamir
Year of completion: 2018
Host Organisation: Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Gangtok, Gangtok, Sikkim
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr R. P. Gurung
Abstract: Food- the important source of sustenance in one’s life is affected by changing environments. As the preferences, cultures, socio-economic profiles and geographies all influence food habits, there is a need to understand food security and its dimensions. Mountain regions occupy very different positions in the world due to the fact that climate is highly dependent on geography. With changing altitudes there is varying agricultural practices and therefore food production and consumption. Owing to the location and topography mountains are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; it becomes imperative to understand food security in this context. This study attempts to understand food security using two indicators-economic access and diet quality. Although the results found are indicative of food security, an emerging problem in the study sites is water scarcity which could have impacts on the agriculture in the region. This problem could be exacerbated due to climate change and its impacts. The availability of water affects crop production and thereby food security.
Key words: Food security, climate change, water scarcity, mountainous region
